Six Californias: Silicon Valley

Women walk under an umbrella in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Marin Headlands in Marin County, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

/ AP

Women walk under an umbrella in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Marin Headlands in Marin County, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Women walk under an umbrella in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Marin Headlands in Marin County, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (/ AP)

By U-T San Diego

Capital: San Jose

Marquee industries: High technology, financial, trade, biotech

Key political figures: It’s no secret that Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor, has grand political aspirations. He would be a natural for this new state given his liberal social views combined with his image as a more centrist Democratic figure on issues involving business and regulation.

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, a Democrat, is known for his tireless efforts to promote pension reform in his city and across California. Reed is a natural fit for this state, too. He sees governmental reform as a key way to keep the region competitive and to assure that there’s enough money to fund top-notch public services.

Venture capitalist Tim Draper is not a politician. But this Republican-turned-Democrat-turned-independent is the moving force behind the “6 Californias” initiative. If it succeeds, he will be the state’s founder and one of its natural kingpins — provided he wants to get into politics and leave behind his current work.